Naomi Milgrom AO, Chair of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, recently announced a major new architecture commission and design event for Melbourne, that will see a temporary pavilion constructed annually in the Queen Victoria Memorial Gardens.

Presented from 6 October 2014 until 31 January 2015, MPavilion will create a vibrant cultural hub activated by a four-month program of talks, workshops, performances and installations – all free to the public.

The commission for the inaugural MPavilion has been awarded to internationally acclaimed Australian architect Sean Godsell, with construction set to start this month. The first MPavilion will be unveiled on Monday 6 October and will be part of the official program of the 2014 Melbourne Festival, populated with an ambitious program of talks and performances throughout the Festival dates and beyond.

As part of a landmark public/private partnership with the City of Melbourne and the Victorian State Government, the Foundation has committed to funding the design and construction of at least four annual temporary pavilions to be presented in the Gardens across spring and summer each year, before being gifted to the City of Melbourne.

Naomi Milgrom AO, Chair of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, said: “MPavilion will reinforce Melbourne’s standing as a global leader in design and architecture with the creation of a pavilion designed by four outstanding architects over four years. It will be activated with a dynamic public program delivered in collaboration with some of Australia’s most respected cultural organisations.

“Through my foundation I want to initiate a truly inspirational design and architecture project for Melbourne. I was inspired by London’s Serpentine Gallery Pavilion program and have sought to take this idea even further by adding a robust cultural program that celebrates design, architecture and creativity in our city,” said Ms Milgrom.

The Hon Louise Asher MP, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, commented: “MPavilion will cement Melbourne’s standing as a major hub for design and architecture in the Asia-Pacific, creating an event that will benefit both Victorians and visitors to our State. The project will also contribute to the Victorian design sector which already generates an estimated $204million in design-related exports annually."

Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said: “I am pleased that the City of Melbourne is collaborating with the Naomi Milgrom Foundation on this new design initiative. The Council shares many of the Foundation’s ambitions: enlivening public spaces, developing bold new initiatives, engaging with education and creating high quality design programming.”